Both John McCormack and James Joyce took singing lessons in the building that now houses the Teachers' Club in Parnell Square, Dublin - just one of the nuggets in The Teachers' Club, just published to mark the club's 75th anniversary.
The story of the club, which was established as a trade union-related, occupational social club, is chronicled from its early days - and there are personal reflections and pieces on issues of law and justice. It is written by Noel Ward, a primary teacher in Tallaght, Dublin.
The club was the centre of activity for a lengthy teachers' strike in 1946 and teacher protest actions in the Eighties. In 1937 it was denounced from the Pro-Cathedral's pulpit because of "unacceptable behaviour" by members. It also recalls the club's monthly dance, "a big event in the late Forties," where love stories began, no doubt.
The Teachers' Club is available from the Teachers' Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, for £5 including postage.
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